Taking a Step Back: Dave on Hiatus

Hi everyone,

I will be taking a three months hiatus from the Forums and plan to return in April.

Over time, the repeated accusations from some players, suggesting that I abuse my power or unfairly target them as a Staff member, have been both mentally exhausting and detrimental to my well-being. This has taken a toll on my health - physically, by causing high blood pressure, and mentally, by triggering negative thoughts, especially given my history of self-harm.

After much reflection, I have decided to step back from defending myself against these accusations. Despite my best efforts to explain my decisions and reasoning, I am often met with dismissive responses such as, “That’s not what you really think; this is what you think.” Engaging in these exchanges has become draining and unproductive.

I understand that some may view this hiatus as me giving up (throwing in the towel). However, I see it as an opportunity to prioritize my health. You may interpret this break as a vacation or a period of personal reflection - it’s entirely up to you.

Before stepping away, I will ensure that the Halloween 2024 and Christmas Tree 2024 forum events are sorted out.

Dave